Clearly see FOUND GUILTY,
and case is no longer pending
You can clearly see, the date my FOIA request was filed
Denial Sparks Questions After
Rockford Murder Conviction
Key Timeline
- April 2016 – Fatal shooting occurs near Auburn Manor Apartments in Rockford
- March 26, 2026 – Guilty verdict reached in the case (first-degree murder)
- March 26, 2026 – FOIA request filed by RockfordScanner
- March 31, 2026 – City of Rockford denies FOIA request in full
Rockford Murder Conviction Confirmed Across Multiple Sources
When information is withheld broadly, especially after a major conviction,
it can lead residents to ask: What is being protected?
We have been told that some dirt, spilled out on the Rockford PD during this trial.
And that is WHY Rockford PD is denying this, so the dirt on these officers, can not be made public.
Again, he has been found GUILTY, and you DENIED my FOIA.
Definitely makes the community question the HONESTY from Rockford PD...
Multiple independent media outlets have confirmed that a former
Metro Enforcement security officer was found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the 2016 homicide.
Verified reporting includes:
- WIFR:
https://www.wifr.com/2026/03/26/ex-metro-security-officer-found-guilty-first-degree-murder-2016-case/ - Regional report confirming conviction details:
https://1023thecoyote.net/former-rockford-security-found-guilty-in-deadly-shooting-at-apartment-complex/
According to these reports, the individual was convicted in the death of 34-year-old Jovan Fresco, stemming from a shooting that occurred during a confrontation in 2016.
The case has remained active in the court system for years and is still proceeding through post-trial phases.
FOIA Filed After Guilty Verdict,
Then Rockford PD Fully Denied
On March 26, 2026, after the guilty verdict was already reached,
a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted seeking records tied to the case.
Despite the conviction, the City of Rockford denied the request in its entirety.
In the official response, the City stated:
The case is still “pending,” and disclosure could interfere with proceedings
The denial cited multiple exemptions under Illinois FOIA law, including:
- Interference with ongoing legal proceedings
- Potential impact on a fair trial
- Protection of investigative processes
FOIA DENIAL:
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27962882-26-1609-foia-response-letter/
Rockford FOIA Denied After
Murder Conviction Raises
Transparency Questions
In the wake of a recent first-degree murder conviction tied to a 2016 homicide in Rockford, questions are now emerging surrounding government transparency and access to public records.
According to reporting from WIFR, a former Metro Enforcement security officer was found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred nearly a decade ago. The case, which has remained in the court system for years, reached a major milestone with the guilty verdict issued on March 26, 2026.
On that same day—March 26, 2026—a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by RockfordScanner seeking access to records related to the case. The request was filed after the guilty verdict had already been reached, with the intent of obtaining official documentation tied to the investigation and proceedings.
However, despite the conviction, the request was denied in its entirety by the City of Rockford.
Official FOIA Response Cites “Pending Case”
In the official response dated March 31, 2026, the City of Rockford stated that the request was denied due to the case still being considered “pending.”
According to the response letter:
“A check of the Circuit Clerk’s Court Records revealed the criminal case is still pending. Your request is therefore denied…”
The denial references multiple exemptions under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, including provisions that allow law enforcement agencies to withhold records if disclosure could:
- Interfere with ongoing or reasonably anticipated legal proceedings
- Obstruct an active investigation
- Create a substantial likelihood of impacting a fair trial or impartial hearing
Additionally, the City cited concerns about trial publicity and ethical obligations under Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, emphasizing the importance of avoiding public disclosures that could influence judicial outcomes.
This is where leadership matters. Trust between the community and law enforcement is not built through silence—it is built through clear, consistent, and truthful communication. When: A person is publicly confirmed guilty by multiple news organizations A FOIA request is filed after that conviction And the response is a full denial citing a “pending case” …it creates a disconnect that the public will notice. To be clear: There is no verified evidence presented here that any individual knowingly made false statements. But there is a perception problem, and perception becomes reality in the eyes of the community.
